How does apsha-min® work?

aspha-min® contains approximately 20% chemically bound (crystallised) water. When introduced directly into the mixing process, this water is gradually released and vaporised, creating micro-pores within the asphalt binder. This controlled foaming effect temporarily increases the effective binder volume and reduces binder viscosity, keeping the asphalt mixture supple, workable, and compactable, even at reduced temperatures.

Because the crystallised water is released progressively, the effect can persist for up to eight hours and gradually diminishes as the mix temperature approaches approximately 100 °C. Upon cooling, the binder fully regains its original properties.

When using aspha-min®, water vapour is the only additional emission. No changes occur to the ring-and-ball softening point or any other binder characteristics (e.g. PG grading), nor to the asphalt mixture itself.

The use of aspha-min® does not alter the performance of the bitumen or the finished asphalt course.

aspha-min® is supplied in big bags on pallets, soluble (melting) bags, or in bulk, ensuring straightforward handling and storage. The product is resistant to temperature fluctuations between –15 °C and +70 °C without any material degradation.

As a result, no additional investment in heated bitumen storage tanks is required; dry storage conditions are fully sufficient. Furthermore, aspha-min® is classified as a non-hazardous substance.

The addition of aspha-min® to the mixer is recommended at 0.2% to 0.3% by weight of the asphalt mixture, typically at approximately the same time as binder injection – or briefly thereafter.

In principle, any dosing or metering system capable of handling low feed rates, such as fibre feeders commonly used for stone mastic asphalt (SMA), is suitable for aspha-min®.

To maintain product quality during transportation and storage, exposure to moisture and excessive heat (> 70 °C) needs to be avoided.